Communication device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are communication devices and connected clothing systems. The communication devices comprise a circuit printed on a portion of fabric, the circuit comprising means for transmitting electrical signals to and from a user, a controller electrically pairable to the circuit, and means for attaching the circuit to an item of apparel. Connected clothing systems comprises a communication device as disclosed herein attached to an item of apparel.

BACKGROUND

Communication devices have become an integral part of our daily lives.People use these devices to communicate with each other and otherdevices across networks in a variety of contexts. Our world has becomethoroughly connected, and communication devices have enabled us tofacilitate communities, establish relationships, obtain and shareinformation, and provide for our safety, and well-being.

SUMMARY

The inventor has recognized a need for clothing technology that enablespeople to intuitively and economically interact with smart technologysuch as electronic devices that we use in our daily routines. Theinventor also envisions clothing technology, as described herein, thatenables people to gain access to biometric data leading to moreproductive, fulfilling, and healthy lives. The simple innovative devicedescribed herein enables convenient connected clothing for everyone suchthat people can intuitively and economically interact with smarttechnology, gain access to biometric data, and lead more productive,fulfilling, and healthier lives.

The inventor has discovered a communication device for communicatingbetween a clothing article and an electronic device wherein thecommunication device, in various embodiments, is in a convenientattachable/detachable form, printed on fabric, and versatile in itscapacity to be implemented on a wide variety of sites on clothingarticles and/or fashion accessories.

In some embodiments, described herein is a communication device andsystem that provides for convenient communications from an item ofapparel to and from electronic or computing devices such as cell phones,home security systems, music systems, laptop and desktop computers,tablets, and the like. The communication device, in various embodiments,is attachable to an item of apparel and comprises a circuit printed on aportion of fabric and a controller electrically pairable to the circuitfor communicating with electronic devices and computing devices. Thecommunication device is designed to be attached to an item of appareland in some embodiments the communication device can be attached to orincorporated into a lining of an item of apparel, or other convenientplace for sending or receiving signals. In various embodiments, thecommunication device is implemented with items of apparel by beingattached to regions that are unobtrusive such that the user can send orreceive electronic communications without being noticed by other people.In some embodiments, the communication device is attached to an item ofapparel such that the communication device is not visible or noticeablesuch that it can be used discreetly.

In some embodiments, the communication device can generate sensorstimuli in response to communications from electronic devices orcomputing devices, accept stimuli from a user to generate communicationswith an electronic device, or generate and accept stimuli to facilitatecommunications to and from an electronic device and a user. Anytransmittable sensor stimuli can be used such as a tactile sensation,vibration patterns, lights, sounds, or combinations thereof such that auser wearing the communication device can receive and transmitnotifications and other informational signals.

One advantage contemplated by the inventor is that the user can keep thecommunication device and electronic device, such as a smartphone, out ofsight but still be alerted if there is a communication of which the usershould be aware. Such communications can include, for example, phonecalls, text messages, emails, calendar alerts, social media updates, andthe occurrence of a lost or stolen phone.

In some embodiments, the communication device can be programmed and/ordesigned to communicate with a smartphone. A user can generate a signalby touching the apparel in a way that engages the communication deviceto transmit signals. This is accomplished, in some embodiments, byinteracting, or engaging, with one or more sensors. In some embodiments,the user interacts with, or engages, sensors by interacting with asensor identification region of the communication device. In someembodiments, the sensor identification region can be detected on theapparel by touch.

Various codes, or ways of touching the communication device, cangenerate different signals or messages, sending, for example,information or instructions for actions to one or more devices, tolocate a phone, control music, or control lights.

In some embodiments the communication device described herein has theadvantage of improving users' experiences with their phones by improvingusers' abilities to receive information from and transmit information totheir phones without being in the vicinity of those phones.

In some embodiments, provided herein is a communication devicecomprising a circuit on a portion of fabric comprised of conductivelines and means for transmitting electrical signals to and from a user,a controller electrically pairable to the circuit the controller capableof communicating with an electronic device, and means for attaching thecircuit to an item of apparel. In some embodiments, the circuit isprinted on the portion of fabric. In some embodiments, provided hereinis a communication device comprising a circuit on a portion of fabriccomprised of conductive lines, means for transmitting electrical signalsto and from a user, a controller electrically pairable to the circuitfor communicating with an electronic device, and means for attaching thecircuit to an item of apparel. In some embodiments, the conductive linesare conductive ink. In some embodiments, the conductive lines areconductive thread. In some embodiments, the conductive ink is part of anintegrated layer, applied to, or encompassed by, the portion of fabric.The integrated layer comprises dielectric insulation, conductive ink,and thermoplastic polyurethane and is referred to, in variousembodiments, when applied to the portion of fabric as an amalgamatedflexible circuit region. The circuit printed on a portion of fabriccomprised of conductive lines, ink, thread, or combinations thereof, andcomprising means for transmitting electrical signals to and from a useris also referred to herein as a “sensing circuit” for convenience ofusage.

In some embodiments, the means for transmitting electrical signals witha user comprises means for generating electrical signals.

In some embodiments, the communication device further comprising inputmeans which are operably connected to the means for transmittingelectrical signals. In some embodiments, the input means is a touch pad.In some embodiments, the touch pad is a fabric touch pad.

In some embodiments, the means for transmitting electrical signalscomprises a switch for generating different signals, such as, forexample, two or more on/off signal settings.

In some embodiments, the means for transmitting electrical signals isselected from a switch, sensors, antennas, biosensors, touch screens, aswitch pad, a touch pad, touch switches, printed heaters, orcombinations thereof.

Sensors can be, in various embodiments, pressure sensors, capacitivesensors, temperature and/or body sensors, motion sensors (such as anaccelerometer, gyroscopes, force, tilter or vibration, and the like),environmental sensors (such as moisture, humidity, dust, or gassensors), ultrasonic sensors, image sensors, heartbeat sensors, pulsesensors, GPS sensors, GSM sensors, NFC sensors, GPS sensors and modules,GSM sensors and modules, NFC sensors and modules, or combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the means for attaching the circuit printed on theportion of fabric to an item of apparel is a magnet, a zipper, snaps,magnetic snaps, Velcro, buttons, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller is detachable from the sensingcircuit.

In some embodiments, the controller is attached to the sensing circuitby one or more pogo pins, magnets, a zipper, snaps, magnetic snaps,Velcro, buttons, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the conductive ink is silver conductive ink. Insome embodiments, the conductive ink is covered with a dielectric ink.In some embodiments, the conductive ink is covered by conductivematerial selected from conductive thread, silver, carbon, silverchloride inks, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, theconductive ink is covered by a dielectric insulator layer. In someembodiments, the conductive ink is covered by a dielectric insulatorlayer and integrated with thermoplastic polyurethane and printed on theportion of fabric. The conductive ink covered by a dielectric insulatorlayer and integrated with thermoplastic polyurethane is referred to, insome embodiments, as an amalgamated flexible circuit region.

In some embodiments, the fabric is a textile. In some embodiments, thefabric is flexible.

In some embodiments, the controller comprises a power source, amicroprocessor, and a network interface. In some embodiments, thenetwork interface comprises an antenna. In some embodiments, thecontroller is a flexible printed circuit board.

In some embodiments, the circuit of the communication device is attachedon the item of apparel interior, exterior, as a lining, as a sleeve, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments the communication devices described herein canreceive or transmit to electronic devices, computing devices, orcommunication devices known in the art including ordinary mobile phones,smart-phones, communications networks, home appliances, television,audio or entertainment systems, security systems, laptops, cameras,tablets, desktop computers, home automation systems, other remotetransmitting devices or telecommunication devices known in the art, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller communicates through networktechnologies such as, for example, a local-area-network (LAN), wirelesslocal-area-network (WLAN), network personal-area-network (PAN), such asBluetooth, low power wide area (LPWA), contactless local areacommunication, wide-area-network (WAN), the internet, point to pointnetworks, peer to peer networks, an intranet, infrared communication,ZigBee, Z-wave, Lor/SigFox, NB-IoT technologies and combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a circuitprinted on a portion of fabric comprised of conductive ink and means foraccepting electrical signals, a printed controller board, and means forattaching the communication device to an item of apparel. In someembodiments, the circuit printed on a portion of fabric comprises anamalgamated flexible circuit region which comprises a dielectricinsulator layer, conductive ink lines, and thermoplastic polyurethane.In some embodiments, the conductive ink lines can be printed onthermoplastic polyurethane and then transferred as a set to the portionof fabric by heat transfer. In some embodiments, conductive ink linesand dielectric insulating ink are printed together on thermoplasticpolyurethane and then heat transferred to the portion of fabric to formthe amalgamated flexible circuit region of a circuit printed on aportion of fabric.

The communication device, described in some embodiments herein, isprinted on lining type fabric, detachable from its wearer's clothing,and in some designs, is attached to a jacket sleeve, jacket pocket,shirt sleeve, pants, patent leggings, raincoat, outerwear, shirt, teeshirt, jacket, bra, dress, women's top, vest, children's apparel, or anylocation that could be designed to achieve a user's needs and/or goals.

In most embodiments, a user of the communication device described hereinis a human.

The communication device is in some embodiments designed to communicatewith a smartphone. Instructions can be sent from the smartphone to thecommunication device and from the communication device to thesmartphone. Users can, for example, generate a signal by touching theapparel item to engage the means for transmitting electrical signals ofthe communication device, the signal can be received by the smartphoneto provide, for example, a message, instructions, or an alert.Communicating with smartphones, or other devices, by sending informationor instructions for actions, can be a programmable application in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, described herein, the communication device improvesusers' experiences with their phones and electronic devices by improvingtheir abilities to receive information from and transmit information totheir phones and/or other devices without being in the vicinity of thosephones and/or other devices.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the scope of the invention, as claimed, and described invarious embodiments herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a communication device in accordance with some embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 1B shows a communication device in accordance with some embodimentsdescribed herein illustrating elements of a region of the circuitprinted on a portion of fabric where signal inputs can be entered, acontroller in a casing with its connection to the circuit printed on aportion of fabric, and an outer clothing fabric;

FIG. 1C shows the casing of the communication device in accordance withsome embodiments described herein and illustrates the controller asenclosed within the casing;

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross section of the elements of the communicationdevices and an outer clothing fabric that in some embodiments covers thecommunication device;

FIG. 1E illustrations a cross section of the elements of thecommunication devices and an outer clothing fabric that in someembodiments covers the communication device with an amalgamated flexiblecircuit region comprising dielectric insulation, conductive ink andthermoplastic polyurethane;

FIG. 1F illustrates how, in some embodiments, the controller can beattached to the circuit printed on portion of fabric using pogo pins;

FIG. 1G illustrates the signaling regions of a communication deviceprotruding through from the outer clothing fabric in accordance withsome embodiments described here;

FIG. 2A illustrates the components of an amalgamated flexible circuitregion on the inner fabric of the communication device in someembodiments;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an amalgamated flexible circuitregion;

FIG. 2C shows a sensor circuit with sensor regions and pogo pin matingregion for connection to the controller;

FIG. 3 illustrates the electronic system of a communication devicedescribed in some embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of information from a sensor and switchthrough controller elements, networks, to electronic devices;

FIG. 5 illustrates an application on a smart phone and how to customizeconnections for interacting with a communication device described invarious embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a user using a communication device described in someembodiments herein by touching a sleeve region to send or receive asignal or communication;

FIG. 7 illustrates a use of a communication device described in someembodiments herein by touching a hood of a jacket to send or receive asignal or communication;

FIG. 8A shows an embodiment of the communication device described hereinfor use with a shirt;

FIG. 8B shows the communication device of FIG. 7A without the presenceof the shirt;

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of the communication device described hereinfor use with a pair of pants;

FIG. 9B shows the communication device of FIG. 8A without the presenceof the pair of pants;

FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of the communication device describedherein for use with a bra; and

FIG. 10B shows the communication device of FIG. 8A without the presenceof the bra.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein, in some embodiments, is a communication devicecomprising a circuit printed on a portion of fabric comprised ofconductive lines and means for accepting electrical signals, acontroller electrically pairable to the circuit for communicating withan electronic device and means for attaching the circuit printed on theportion of fabric to an item of apparel. The communication device whenpaired with a wide variety of apparel provides a connected clothingsystem that facilitates interactions with electronic devices andcomputing devices known to person of skill in the art.

As used herein, the term “means for transmitting electrical signals”comprises, in general, in various embodiments, electrical signalinterfaces and, in various embodiments, refers to ways in which signalscan be received and/or accepted by a user or generated by a user forcommunication with electronic and computing devices. In someembodiments, the means for transmitting an electrical signal to, orfrom, an electronic device, comprises one or more input means, such asan input device. An input device, in some embodiments can be a touchpad. In some embodiments the input means is a fabric touch pad. Variousother input means can be used in some embodiments described hereinincluding, for example, manual switches, buttons, touchscreens, anddevices that measure skin conductions. Persons of skill in the artunderstand other variations on how electrical signals are transmittedand those described herein are illustrative. In some embodiments, thecommunication device uses information directly by sensing the touch of auser, in the absence of any manual switches, buttons, or touch pads,using a touch sensitive circuit.

In various embodiments an antenna is the means for transmittingelectrical signals. The controller of the communication device, in someembodiments, comprises an antenna capable of transmitting electricalsignals. Electronic devices in some embodiments comprise one or moreantenna for transmitting electrical signals. Antennas, in variousembodiments, convert electric signals to radio waves for transmitting(as a transmitter) and convert radio waves to electric signals (as areceiver). Persons of skill in the art understand that the means fortransmitting electrical signals and means for receiving electricalsignals can be, in various embodiments, a transmitter or receiver,respectively.

As used herein the terms “circuit printed on a portion of fabric”,“circuit”, “the circuit”, and “sensor circuit” are used interchangeablyand all refer to the circuit printed on a portion of fabric element ofthe communication device. Printed, as used herein, refers to the circuitadhering to or laminated with the fabric, and doesn't necessary implythe means by which the circuit was applied to and adheres to the portionof fabric, or inner fabric, as described in various embodiments herein.

As used herein, the “circuit printed on a portion of fabric” comprises aprinted circuit. The circuit printed on a portion of fabric comprisesconductive lines made of ink or thread. The circuit printed on a portionof fabric comprised of conductive lines is prepared using methods knownin the art. In some embodiments, the circuit printed on a portion offabric comprises a pressure sensor, or sensor, region and a connectorregion, whereby the pressure sensor region is configured to receiveinput and accept output and is operably connected to the controllerwhich is, in various embodiments, in the connector region. In someembodiments, the circuit printed on a portion of fabric comprisesconductive lines, a dielectric insulator layer, sensors, and a connectorfor electrically connecting the circuit to a controller. In someembodiments, the conductive lines are conductive ink. In someembodiments, the conductive lines are conductive thread. In someembodiments, the dielectric insulator layer is dielectric insulator ink.In some embodiments, the connectors are pogo pins. In some embodimentsthe connectors are magnets. The connectors provide, in variousembodiments, an electric connection between the controller and thecircuit printed on a portion of fabric. Connectors known to person ofskill in the art can be used if they provide an electric connectionbetween the controller and the circuit and connect the controller to thecircuit. Persons of skill in the art understand that connectors can bevaried in accordance with design choices. In various embodiments, thecontroller can be enclosed within a casing and the connector connectsthe casing to the circuit printed on a portion of fabric. In variousembodiments, the controller is completely enclosed in the casing so thatit is not visible. In various embodiments the casing has a closeableopening for introducing and/or removing the controller. In someembodiments the closeable opening comprises a zipper. In someembodiments, the closeable opening comprises hook-and-loop fasteners,hook-and-pile fasteners, or touch fasteners can be used to open andclose the casing.

The circuit printed on a portion of fabric (also referred to herein as“printed circuit”) can be prepared by methods known in the art. In someembodiments, conductive ink and dielectric insulating ink can be printedon thermoplastic polyurethane and the thermoplastic polyurethane canthen be used to heat transfer, or laminate, the conductive ink anddielectric insulating ink to the fabric by methods understood by personsof skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the circuit printed on a portion of fabriccomprises a conductive fabric, layered on a fabric to which it is fused,a dielectric insulator layer, and conductive ink. In some embodiments,conductive thread is sewn over the fabric to reinforce the conductiveink. In some embodiments, the circuit printed on a portion of fabriccomprises conductive fabric layered on a fabric to which it is fused, adielectric insulator layer, and conductive ink, printed on a portion offabric can be laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane, or othersuitable laminate.

In some embodiments, the dielectric insulator layer is comprised ofdielectric insulating ink. In some embodiments, dielectric insulatorcoatings known to persons of skill in the art can be used to prepare thedielectric insulator layer.

The portion of fabric on which the circuit is printed can be any pieceof fabric that is capable of being attached to an item of apparel. Insome embodiments, the portion of fabric is a textile. In someembodiments the fabric is an artificial leather.

In various embodiments, the region of conductive fabric printed on theportion of fabric is comprised of a dielectric insulator layer and aconductive ink or thread. In some embodiments, the circuit printed on aportion of fabric is stretchable and flexible. The circuit printed on aportion of fabric can, in some embodiments, maintain connectivity andfunction while undergoing stretching and flexing that apparel isordinarily subjected to.

In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a controllerenclosed in a casing, a conductive layer, a fabric spacer, a circuitprinted on a portion of fabric comprising conductive ink or threads, oneor more sensors, and connectors that can connect the circuit to thecontroller, and an inner fabric. In some embodiments, the communicationdevice further comprises a sensor indication molding region. The sensorindication region provides raised structures or protruding regions thatindicate the presence of the sensors on an outer clothing garment in asensor indication region. The sensor indication molding can be comprisedof any suitable molding material, such as plastic or silicone. Thesensor indication molding can, in some embodiments, provide thestructure that enables a user to recognize at a touch the location ofthe communication device sensor region when it is attached to an item ofapparel. The communication device in some embodiments can be covered byan outer fabric of a clothing garment. In some embodiments, a user ofthe communication device can recognize a sensor indication region of thegarment by touching the garment, or outer clothing fabric, wherein thestructure from the sensor indication molding provided by the sensorindication molding can be felt through the garment, or other outerfabric. Various conductive inks can be used in accordance with differentembodiments of the communication device. Various conductive fabrics andconductive fabric fused to fabric can be used in preparing the circuitthat is printed on a portion of fabric in some embodiments in accordancewith methods known to persons of skill in the art. In some embodiments,the conductive ink is silver conductive ink. The conductive ink, invarious embodiments, is stretchable and designed for printing on fabric.In some embodiments, the conductive ink is covered by, or integratedwith or within, a dielectric insulating ink, i.e., dielectric insulator.The circuit printed on a portion of fabric can be prepared, in someembodiments, in accordance with methods known in the art. The circuitprinted on a portion of fabric, in various embodiments, is stretchableand flexible.

The controller in various embodiments described herein, communicatessignals from the circuit printed on a portion of fabric to electronicdevices and can receive signals from the electronic devices and transmitthem to the circuit using systems, networks, and circuits, such asintegrated circuits, that are known by persons of skill in the art.

Controller, as used herein, can also comprise the term “microcontroller”as understood by persons of skill in the art. The controller, in someembodiments, comprises a microprocessor and battery. The controller, insome embodiments, can communicate, or interface, to and from variouselectronic devices, or computing devices, using various technologiessuch as, for example, a local-area-network (LAN), wirelesslocal-area-network (WLAN), network personal-area-network (PAN), such asBluetooth, low power wide area (LPWA), contactless local areacommunication, wide-area-network (WAN), the internet, point to pointnetworks, peer to peer networks, an intranet, infrared communication,ZigBee, Z-wave, Lor/SigFox, NB-IoT technologies and combinationsthereof. BaseStations in some embodiments can be an LTE BaseStation, aLora/SigFox BaseStation, or other similar BaseStations known in the art.

The controller serves to communicate signals from a user from inputsinto the circuit printed on a portion of fabric to an electronic deviceor computing device and receives signals from an electronic device orcomputing device and communicates them to a user through a sensingregion on a circuit printed on a portion of fabric. The controller, invarious embodiments described herein, is implemented with circuitryconfigured to detect touch signals from the sensor region. In someembodiments the controller is integrated into the fabric of thecommunication device. In some embodiments the controller comprises aprinted circuit. The controller, in some embodiments, is electricallypairable with the circuit for communicating with the electrical devices.In some embodiments, the controller comprises a motor connected withinthe circuit for generating vibrations to alert users of an incomingsignal. A variety of motors can be attached to the circuit in thecontroller in accordance with methods well known in the art. In someembodiments, the motor can create vibrational signals for the user. Whenthe controller receives a communication from, for example, an electronicdevice, the information received in the communication can produce astimulus such as a vibration by changing the voltage and thereby causinga tactile stimulus to be generated.

In some embodiments, the controller comprises software and storage sothat it can remember the electronic device with which it is paired. Thecommunication device may be unpaired through software on thetelecommunication device as well, eliminating the connection between acommunication device and a mobile phone and/or smartphone. This processof pairing can, for example, be implemented through a single button orclick option. Those skilled in the art understand that software requiredto implement the systems, methods, and devises disclosed herein mayvary, in order to work with different operating systems and programminglanguages.

As used herein, the term “electrically pairable” refers to the capacityof the controller to process both incoming and outgoing signals tofacilitate communications between the communication device and variouselectronic devices, or computing devices, whereby the communicationdevice can thereby be used to send signals to electronic devices orcomputing devices and receive signals from electronic devices orcomputing devices.

In some embodiments, the controller is powered by a battery. In someembodiments the battery is an ordinary coin battery. In someembodiments, more powerful batteries are associated with the controller,such as a 12 mAh battery. A wide variety of batteries can be usedprovided that they fit the device. Rechargeable batteries are used insome embodiments. Single use batteries are used in some embodiments.Examples of batteries that can be used in some embodiments include, butare not limited to, lithium cell, silver oxide, and alkaline cellbatteries. In some embodiments, bio energy can be used to generate powerfor the controller. Bioenergy can be obtained by utilizing the movementsof a user.

Data or signals can be communicated through the controller from inputmeans on the circuit printed on a portion of fabric. As used herein,“input means” includes any means for communicating signals from the userto the controller via the circuit printed on a portion of fabric. Inputmeans, in a sensor array, or sensor, region of the sensing circuit, areconfigured in various embodiments, to sense multi touch input signalsfrom users, primarily by use of one or more fingers, hands, or swipegestures. The sensing circuit input means are configured to sense touchinputs and transmit the information from the touch to the controller.Input means can include, for example in some embodiments, input pins onthe printed circuit, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-screen, atouch-pad, a track-ball, a stylus, or any other suitable pointing deviceor input device that can be integrated with the communication device inaccordance with practices and processes known to persons of skill in theart. In some embodiments input means comprises a fabric touch padwherein signals are transmitted via touching the pad through the circuitto the controller that is configured to detect and transmit signals.

In some embodiments, the controller comprises a flexible printed circuitboard. Various materials known in the art can be used in theseembodiments that maintain the form of the printed circuit board suchthat expansion and contraction can be limited, and function maintained.

The communication device described in some embodiments herein cancomprise an antenna or a plurality of antennae. In some embodiments, theantenna is partially or completely housed within a communication device,for example, within the casing for the controller, in accordance withembodiments described herein and can be configured to receive andoptionally to transmit communications to an electronic device throughaccompanying network communication systems such as, for example, alocal-area-network (LAN), wireless local-area-network (WLAN), networkpersonal-area-network (PAN), such as Bluetooth, low power wide area(LPWA), contactless local area communication, wide-area-network (WAN),the internet, point to point networks, peer to peer networks, anintranet, infrared communication, ZigBee, Z-wave, Lor/SigFox, NB-IoTtechnologies and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the communication device and connected clothingsystems described herein can be wirelessly connected to devices in auser's home, such as smoke alarms, animal collars, security systems,home appliances, computer peripherals, lights, HVAC systems, audiovisual systems, or other such home devices in order to receive alerts ofchanges or to allow a user to communicate with his or her environmentremotely. Additionally, in some embodiments, the devices and systemsdisclosed herein can include special emergency communicationscapabilities that directly contact proper emergency and help individualsin case of an accident. For example, an accelerometer may detectinformation that indicates whether a user has fallen.

As used herein, the term “connected clothing system” refers to thecommunication device described herein attached to, or embedded with, anitem of apparel. As used herein, the terms item of apparel, garment, andclothing are used interchangeably and are well understood by persons inthe clothing or fashion industries to have synonymous meanings. In theplural, the terms items of apparel, garments, and clothing are generallyused.

As used herein, the term “sensing circuit” refers to a circuit printedon a portion of fabric comprised of conductive ink and/or thread andmeans for transmitting electrical signals to and from a user. Thecommunication devices described herein in various embodiments comprise asensing circuit.

The connected clothing system as described herein in some embodimentscan interface with any existing technology that can be used with thecommunication device, as described in various embodiments herein.

This connected clothing system in some embodiments described herein uses“apparel as an interface” by attaching the communication device, asdescribed herein, to certain parts of clothing, and establishing asystem whereby touch, to the designated parts of clothing in which thecommunication device is embedded, or to which it is attached, willtransmit communications to perform functions defined, or determined, bythe user. Such functions include, for example, advancing a music track,answering a call, reading the next in a series of turn-by-turndirections, turning on lights, sending a pre-programmed text message,placing a phone call, and/or sending a message for help.

In some embodiments, the communication device as described hereinenables the integration with sensor technology to measure variousbiometric data, such as heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and thelike, and can transmit that data for analysis or data gathering.

The communication device, in some embodiments, is modular, removable, oreasily transferred, such that it can be easily moved from one garment toanother and/or enable components to be easily replaced or upgraded.

The communication device can be used in a variety of ways by apparelmanufacturers in industries such as consumer, fitness, medical, ormilitary to add connectivity and sensors to clothing in a way thatprovide convenience and function in achieving industry goals.

The communication device and connected clothing system as describedherein in some embodiments can provide added functionality to apparelimproving the performance of garments and enhancing life experiencesfrom a fashion, convenience, and biometric perspective.

In some embodiments, the communication devices described can beintegrated with artificial intelligence and evolve to provide bettersolutions and receptivity to user habits and needs over time.

There are many applications of the communication device described hereinand connected clothing systems that use the communication device. Someillustrative examples are provided here in a non-limiting way. Forexample, a connected clothing system can be embedded in children'sclothing together with a GPS that can transmit location to parents. Apanic button can alert parents and/or authorities in the case ofemergency. In a sports and fitness context, a connected clothing systemcan be embedded in sportswear and enable users to control music and/ortheir phone without having to pull out a device and “break stride,” andsensors can gather and transmit data to enable optimization ofperformance and prevention of injury. In the healthcare context, aconnected clothing system can be combined with sensors to gather andtransmit biometric data to doctors for patients in a variety ofsituations such as gathering baseline data, monitoring patients'post-surgery, or for eldercare.

In some embodiments, the communication device and connected clothingsystem described herein can be used in an artificial intelligence and/orpredictive medicine context. Potential applications include, forexample, applying data gathered by a connective clothing system toanalysis by artificial intelligence. Such analysis can, in someembodiments, alert users to potential issues with safety or medicalconcerns before human operators would have the opportunity to recognizethem.

In the navigation context, the communication device can be used to readnext in series of turn-by-turn directions so that a driver, cyclist,etc., does not need to lose focus, as the case with currentsmartphone-based navigation. In various embodiments, simply by tappingthe communication device discreetly attached to an item of apparel in aconnected clothing system on the sleeve, pant leg, or hood, for example,can enable the navigation system interface.

In some embodiments, the communication device can be used for emergencysituations. The communication device, in accordance with someembodiments described herein, can be attached or connected withunderwear, such as a bra or tee shirt, which would enable a user todiscreetly send a signal, phone call, text message, or record voice orvideo, in an emergency situation such as an assault or other threat.

In some embodiments, the communication device is useful in workcontexts. For example, the connected clothing systems described hereincan enable workers to remain in touch without the need for smart phoneswhich could impair productivity.

Some embodiments of the communication device described herein can beused in military contexts. For example, sensors from some embodiments ofthe communication device described herein can gather and transmit datato monitor the health and fitness of soldiers in the battlefield and toestablish baseline health and biometric data on soldiers that can beused as benchmarks.

In elder care, the connected clothing system described herein, in someembodiments, can be used to monitor and transmit biometric data tofriends and family as well as provide a way for users to communicate orcall for help easily in the event of mishap.

In some embodiments, the communication device as described herein, canbe used to control environmental conditions in a home or office context.For example, tapping an interface of the communication device can enablethe device to interact with smart home or office controllers to, forexample, turn on/off music, lights, HVAC, alarm, alert a user of text orphone call from preprogrammed list by, for example, vibration. Anothertapping input of a connected clothing system can, for example, send apreprogrammed message, answer a call, or send a recorded message.

Various embodiments of the communication device described herein areillustrated in the figures.

FIG. 1A shows a communication device 100 in accordance with someembodiments described herein. The communication device comprises aportion of fabric 110, or inner fabric 110, on which a circuit isprinted, i.e. a circuit printed on a portion of fabric 111. Thecommunication device comprises a circuit printed on a portion of fabric111 comprises, in some embodiments, conductive lines 120, a dielectricinsulator 121 and a casing 135 that encloses a controller. Thecontroller is not shown in FIG. 1A. The casing 135 can, in someembodiments, be fabric, silicone, or other suitable material. A sensoridentification region (or input region) 141 on an outer clothing fabric140 covers input means of the communication device (not shown in FIG.1A) that can include sensors or switches.

FIG. 1B shows further details of the communication device in accordancewith some embodiments. In FIG. 1B the casing 135 is lifted up toillustrate how the casing can be used to connect with the circuit 111printed on a portion of fabric, in various embodiments, by connectors137 on the circuit and 138 from the casing 135. The broken lines in FIG.1B at the underside of the casing 135 and to 130 illustrateschematically a controller 130 that is enclosed by the casing 135 and isnot, in various embodiments, visible with the communication device. Thecontroller 130 can be operably connected to the circuit 111 byconnectors 137 and 138. The controller and casing can be attached to thecircuit printed on a portion of fabric 111 by connectors 137 and 138wherein the connectors 137 and 138 make electrical contact between thecontroller and the circuit 111 when attached. In FIG. 1B, the connectorsare pogo pins 138 and a pogo pin mating region (or receptacles) 137, buta variety of connectors can be used, such as magnets, snap connectors,or any means known in the art for establishing an electrical connectionwhile making the physical connection between the controller and thecircuit. Also illustrated in FIG. 1B is an outer clothing fabric 140.The outer clothing fabric 140 represents a garment that thecommunication device can be used with in a connected clothing system. Insome embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the communication device100 and outer clothing fabric comprises a connected clothing systemcomprising a sensor identification region 141 on the outer clothingfabric 140. FIG. 1B illustrates that sensors 145 of the circuit printedon a portion of fabric 111 can, in some embodiments, enablecommunication with the sensor identification region 141 on the outerclothing fabric through a sensor identification molding 142, aconductive layer 147 comprised of conductive material, a fabric spacer143, and a controller 130 connected with the circuit printed on aportion of fabric by connectors 137 and 138. The circuit printed on aportion of fabric 111, as shown in FIG. 1B, is comprised of conductivelines 120, a dielectric insulator 121, a connector 137, sensors 145, anda portion of fabric 110, also referred to as an inner fabric 110 todistinguish it from the outer clothing fabric 140 that represents thefabric of a garment used with the communication device 100.

Also shown in FIG. 1B are elevations, a sensor identifier region 141, onthe outer clothing fabric 140 that can, in some embodiments, provide aregion that a user can recognize by touch. This elevation(s) on theouter clothing fabric, sensor identification region (or input region)141, can be of a variety of different shapes in accordance withdifferent embodiments. Whether the outer fabric is straight, flat,ridged, or other shape, is made possible by the sensor identificationmolding 142 which can be adapted to various shapes in accordance withdesigner and/or user preferences. The sensor identification molding 142for forming a touch identifier region, sensor identification region 141,can, in some embodiments, be pressed through the spacer fabric 143allowing conductive layer 147 to be touched to sensors 145 connected toconductive lines 120 in the sensor region printed on inner fabric orlining 110. Conductive contact can, in some embodiments, be made in thisway from the sensor identification region 141 to the sensors 145.Various signaling combinations can be made, in various embodiments, fromthe sensor identification region to the sensors by discrete sensorinputs. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a line indicates the conductivesignal that can be sent by a user from the middle elevation of thesensor identification region 141 to the middle sensor 145. While threesensors 145 are shown in FIG. 1B, more or less sensors can be used, invarious embodiments, described herein.

FIG. 1C shows a casing 135 that in various embodiments encloses acontroller 130 of the communication device. The casing 135 comprisesconnectors 138 that can, in various embodiments, be used to connect thecontroller 130 to the circuit of the communication device. FIG. 1 Cillustrates the controller 130 via a broken window region to indicatethat the controller is not, in various embodiments, visible and isenclosed in the casing 135.

FIG. 1D shows a cross section of the elements of the communicationdevice, in accordance with some embodiments, in the sensor region,comprising the inner fabric 110, conductive lines 120, a fabric spacer143, a conductive layer 147, and a sensor identification molding 142.Also shown is an outer clothing fabric 140 that, in some embodiments,illustrates a garment to which the communication device can be attached.The conductive layer 147 can be, in various embodiments be, comprised ofa variety of conductive materials such as, for example, a conductivefabric. The cross-hatched regions in the conductive layer 147 and theconductive lines 120 illustrate how conduction is achieved, in variousembodiments, by pressing together the conductive layer 147 to theconductive lines 120 to transmit a signal from the outer clothing fabric140.

FIG. 1E shows a cross section of the elements of the communicationdevice, in accordance with some embodiments, in the sensor region,comprising the inner fabric 110, an integrated region referred to has anamalgamated flexible circuit region 125 comprised of conductive lines120, a dielectric insulator layer 121, and thermoplastic polyurethane123, a fabric spacer 143, a conductive layer 147, a sensoridentification molding 142. Also shown is an outer clothing fabric 140that, in some embodiments, illustrates a garment to which thecommunication device can be attached. The conductive layer 147 can be,in various embodiments be, comprised of a variety of conductivematerials such as, for example, a conductive fabric. The cross-hatchedregions in the conductive layer 147 and the conductive lines 120illustrate how conduction is achieved, in various embodiments, bypressing together the conductive layer 147 to the conductive lines 120to transmit a signal from the outer clothing fabric 140.

The dielectric insulator (or insulation) 121 is, in various embodiments,integrated with the conductive lines 120, and thermoplastic polyurethane123 to form an amalgamated flexible circuit region 125 printed, oradhering to after heat transfer, the inner fabric 110, i.e., portion offabric 110. The sensor identification molding 142 provides, in variousembodiments, a structure to identify the sensor region the sensoridentification region of the outer clothing fabric. The sensoridentification molding can be plastic, silicone, or other suitablematerial known to persons of skill in the art.

The sensor identification molding can take a variety of shapes thatpersons of skill in the art can use to provide for a sensoridentification region tailored to user needs in various embodiments. Insome embodiments the sensor identifier region 141 (See FIG. 1B) is inthe form of convex or concave ridges that are, in some embodiments, notvisible on the outer fabric, or item of apparel associated with thecommunication, but can be sensed by touch. In some embodiments thesensor identifier region 141 is in a pattern tailored to an individualuser's needs and using sensor identification moldings tailored toproduce these patterns. Whether the outer fabric is straight, flat,ridged, convex, concave, or other shape, is made possible by the sensoridentification molding 142 which can be adapted to various shapes inaccordance with designer and/or user preferences.

In some embodiments, in making the communication device, a dielectricinsulator layer and conductive ink, can be printed on thermoplasticpolyurethane and the thermoplastic polyurethane with dielectricinsulator layer and conductive ink printed thereon can then be heattransferred or laminated to a portion of fabric.

It is understood by persons of skill in the art that a wide variety ofcircuits printed on a portion of fabric comprising conductive lines canbe used in various designs that are in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein and that the circuits printed on a portion of fabricdescribed herein are non-limiting illustrative examples. In variousembodiments, described herein is a communication device wherein acircuit, printed on, or adhering to, a portion of fabric that isoperably connected to a controller that can be attached to the circuit,and comprises sensors for communication from an attached garment.

In some embodiments, conductive lines are comprised of conductive ink.Silver conductive ink can be used in some embodiments, for example, andcan be purchased from various distributors, such as, for example Amazon,or purchased from the manufacturers directly. In some embodiments,conductive lines can be comprised of conductive thread. Thermoplasticpolyurethane can be purchased, for example, from Alibaba. Variousconductive fabrics can be used. Processes for preparing a circuitprinted on a portion of fabric in accordance with embodiments of thecommunication device described herein are well known to persons of skillin the art.

FIG. 1F show the casing 135 is electrically attachable to the circuitprinted on a portion of fabric 111 by pogo pins 138 and a pogo pinmating region 137 but any suitable means of attachment can be used ifthe controller 130 can be electrically coupled to the circuit printed ona portion of fabric. FIG. 1F illustrates the mechanism by which thecasing 135 can be attached to the circuit using pogo pins 138 and acorresponding pogo pin mating region 137 to attach the controller 130 tothe circuit 111 on a portion of fabric, inner fabric, 110.

FIG. 1G shows the sensor identification region 141 on the outer clothingfabric 140 that, in some embodiments, enables a user to recognize wheresensors are by touch through an item of apparel. This can facilitatediscreet use of the communication device.

FIG. 2A Illustrates the components of an amalgamated flexible circuitregion 125 wherein conductive ink 120, dielectric insulation 121 can beprinted on a thermoplastic polyurethane 123 and then heat transferred tothe portion of fabric 110 to form an amalgamated flexible circuit regionadhering to, or printed to, the portion of fabric. It is understood,that persons of skill in the art would understand suitable thermoplasticpolyurethanes that can be used with fabric. Moreover, other suitablethermoplastic elastomers can be used in accordance with variousembodiments described herein. FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of anamalgamated flexible circuit 125 and the components thermoplasticpolyurethane 123, conductive ink 120, and dielectric insulation. FIG. 2Cshows a sensor circuit 111 with sensors 145, conductive ink lines 120, adielectric insulator 121, and a pogo pin mating region 137 forconnection to a controller.

FIG. 3. shows a schematic of the circuit, sensors 145, connectors 138and 137 that connect the circuit to the controller. The portion offabric is not shown in FIG. 3. The controller 130 illustrated in FIG. 3comprises a circuit board, a coin battery, and a pressure sensor, inputdevice, to the controller region, and a bluetooth low energy (BLE) nanosystem on a chip. Persons of skill in the art understand that a varietyof batteries, circuit boards, and wireless personal area networktechnologies, and other network technologies as described herein, can beused in various embodiments of the communication device and that thecomponents and arrangement of FIG. 3 are only for illustrative purposes.Additional sensors, modules and circuits can be included in variousembodiments of the communication device. These components, sensors andmodules can be used in different combinations, omitted or included basedupon need or application.

FIG. 4 illustrates the flows of information from a sensor and switchthrough a controller (microprocessor), routing through various wirelessnetwork technologies, to electronic devices, such a smart phone, inaccordance with some embodiments of the communication device describedhere. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is a wireless personal area networktechnology. Lora and SigFox are network operators that can be used insome embodiments described herein. Narrowband IoT is a Low Power WideArea Network radio technology that can be used to enable cellulardevices and services compatible with some embodiments described herein.Persons of skill in the art understand that various networks andtechnologies can be used with the communication device described herein,both existing and compatible technologies that are later developed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a mobile phone application that can be used with someembodiments of the communication device described herein. Theapplication has custom settings that can be used in conjunction with thecommunication device. An application can pair the communication devicedescribed herein with a mobile phone, such as is shown in FIG. 5.Various buttons and sensors can be programmed to operate with the mobilephone. Various functions can be programmed for rapid interaction withthe communication device such as emergency contact and preferred modesof communication. Individual users have the capacity to program theirpersonal preferences with various embodiments of the communicationdevice and evolving mobile/smart phone technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates the communication device, not seen, attached to asleeve of a jacket and a person is shown communicating with anelectronic device from the communication device described herein bytouching a sleeve, either generating or receiving a signal in accordancewith some embodiments described herein. In FIG. 7a person is showncommunicating with an electronic device from the communication devicedescribed herein by touching a hood, either generating or receiving asignal, in accordance with some embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the communication device described herein can betailored to be used with different items of apparel. This can be enabledby preparing the inner and outer fabric to be customized for differentitems of apparel. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B illustrate how insome embodiments, this can be accomplished.

FIG. 8A shows the communication device implemented on a shirt pocket,and FIG. 8B shows an example of the communication device as describedherein, tailored for use with a shirt pocket without the shirt. Personsof skill in the art will understand that various other implementationscan be provided for use with a shirt. FIG. 9A shows the communicationdevice implemented on a pair of pants, and FIG. 9B shows an example ofthe communication device described herein, tailored for use with a pairof pants without the pair of pants. In this example, the communicationdevice is affixed to a belt. Persons of skill in the art will understandthat various other implementations can be provided for use with pants.

FIG. 10A shows the communication device implemented on a bra, and FIG.10B shows an example of the communication device described herein,tailored for use with a bra without the bra. In this example, thecommunication device is affixed to a pocket region at the center/convexpart of the bra. Persons of skill in the art will understand thatvarious other implementations can be provided for use with a bra or anyother clothing/wearable item.

FIGS. 6 to 10 illustrate the communication device, in some embodiments,implemented in various items of clothing. Persons of skill in the artwould understand that a wide range of other clothing can be used whereinthe communication device can be attached and used to provide and receivesignals to and from a user.

Users will intuitively recognize how to use the communication device totransmit and receive signals in various embodiments. For example, a usercan send a signal to an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, byinteracting with the device across a clothing item, as shown, forexample, in the FIGS. 6 to 10, where the communication device is showndepicted on various items of clothing. FIG. 6 illustrates the concept.In FIG. 6, a user is shown touching a jacket sleeve and eithergenerating or receiving a signal in accordance with some embodimentsdescribed herein. The communication device is not visible since it isattached, in various embodiments, inside the sleeve. To send a signal,in the example of a jacket sleeve, a user makes contact with the devicein an input region 141, see FIG. 1A for reference, via, in someexamples, a touch pad, which in this example could be a fabric touchpad. The input region 141, as described herein, comprises, in someembodiments, sensors 145, and can in various embodiments known topersons of skill in the art comprise touchpads, switches, buttons, orany device, including measuring skin conduction, in which a signal canbe transmitted from the input region to the sensors 145. On creating asignal in the input region, the signal is then transmitted to anelectronic device, such as a mobile phone, via the controller 130.Another person can then receive the signal at the electronic device towhich the signal has been transmitted. The other user, or any thirdparty, can also send a signal to the user from an electronic device,such as a mobile phone, by transmitting a signal to the communicationdevice through the controller 130 to the user, where in FIG. 6, forexample, the user can receive signals at the jacket sleeve.

In various embodiments, a person of skill in the art understands thatthe communication device can be used in an interactive manner discretelygenerating and receiving communications from a user to and from anelectronic device, or computing device, that may or may not be operatedby another user. Touch input at the communication device input regioncan transmit a signal to an electronic device, or computing device, viaa circuit printed on a portion of fabric 111 through a controller 130and another user can transmit signals to the communication device fromthe electronic or computing device such as a mobile phone asschematically illustrated in various embodiments in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the means for transmitting electric signalscomprises a region of the circuit printed on a portion of fabricconfigured to transmitting electrical signals to and from a user. Insome embodiments, the region of the circuit printed on a portion offabric configured for transmitting electrical signals to and from a useris referred to as a sensor identification region 141. A variety ofsensors can be used. In some embodiments, sensors can be selected frompressure sensors, capacitive sensors, temperature sensors, body sensors,motion sensors (such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, force, bit orvibration, and the like), ultrasonic sensors, image sensors, heartbeatsensors, pulse sensors, GPS sensor and module, GSM, or NFC, orcombinations thereof. The sensor identification region can, in someembodiments, be operably connected to a switch, sensors, antennas,biosensors, touch screens, switch pad, touch pad, touch switches,printed heaters, or combinations thereof. The communication device 100can process a touch-input from the circuit printed on fabric 111 andprocess the input through the controller 130 to communicate with anelectronic device. The circuit is configured, in some embodiments, tosense touch input from a user when one or more fingers of the user'shand touch the circuit 111 via the sensor identification region 141through the sensors 145. In some embodiments, the touch region is in adefined space of the circuit. In some embodiments, a touch pad region isused with two or more input buttons. In some embodiments a touch padprovides the means for accepting electrical signals on the circuit inresponse to touch. In some embodiments, the electric signals convertmessages entered by a user of the communication device described.

The means for attaching the circuit printed on the portion of fabric toan item of apparel, or attachment means, can be any method or meansknown in the art such as magnets, zippers, snaps, magnetic snaps,Velcro®, buttons, gluing, taping, mounting, pinning, pogo pins,enclosing, encapsulating, hooks, pins, latches, hook systems, any latchor hook system with complementary elements on the device and item to beattached to, any other method known in the art, or combinations thereof.

The controller can be attached to the sensing circuit by one or morepogo pins, magnets, a zipper, snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the communication device isconfigured to collect biometric data. In some embodiments, the biometricdata collected can be transmitted directly to a medical professional.

When the stimulus output producing device is configured to generate atactile sensation, preferably the device comprises a motor, e.g., avibration motor such as a pancake vibration motor or linear actuator oroff-center motor. The motor may, for example, be configured to generatea single type of vibration or pulsation or to generate a plurality oftypes of vibrations and/or pulsations that vary based on pattern and/orintensity or other parameter.

In some embodiments, the systems and devices disclosed herein may notifya user of his or her physical surroundings, e.g., physical location asdetermined by a GPS protocol through the use of a GPS tracking unit andsoftware located on the mobile communication device or on a device ornetwork coupled to the mobile communication device.

Computer programs, software, can be used, in some embodiments, foranalyzing inputs and received information from electronic devices, forgenerating a stimulus, for receiving locally generated or collectedinformation, and for transmitting locally generated or collectedinformation to a remote location such as an electronics ortelecommunication device. Artificial intelligence can be implemented to,in some embodiments, update the communication device and connectedclothing system to evolve in accordance with user preferences.

In embodiments where software is used, the software can be upgraded viaa number of data transmission techniques known to the art, including,but not limited to, USB, FireWire, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low EnergyBT 4.0), and WiFi.

In some embodiments, if the communication device is out of range (i.e.,disconnected from the electronic device or beyond a specific distancerange, the user can be alerted through vibration or light patterns. Insome embodiments, the user can be notified when the device is within aspecific distance. This feature will indicate to the user that he/she isfar away from the communication device and may have left it behind or itwas stolen.

The communication device can also be configured to be context aware. Thecommunication device can recognize, for example, when a user is at aspecific location and then adjust the distance to which the user will bealerted by a user being out of range. In some embodiments, thecommunication device uses artificial intelligence to synchronize withthe needs and habits of the user.

In some embodiments, the communication device can be in communicationwith an electronic device in order to monitor incoming communications,including, but not limited to, alerts of a telephone call. Thus, thecommunication device can, in some embodiments, be in communication withsoftware on a mobile phone and/or smartphone, including, but not limitedto, a specially designed application, to identify incoming calls via anapplication program interface, for example.

In some embodiments, a user can determine which stimulus or combinationof stimuli to associate with what type of communication and from whom.These determinations may be made by a user through software designed topermit these associations to be made. Software can, in some embodiments,be designed to allow users to select whether communications from aplurality of third-parties (e.g., contacts) and/or a plurality of typesmay be associated with the same stimulus alert. For example, e-mailnotifications can be associated with a vibration stimulus and voicemailcan be associated with an auditory stimulus. In some embodiments, thecommunication device can be configured to provide for stimulusdifferentiation based on the content of the original communication suchthat, for example, an urgent message can be treated differently than anon-urgent one.

In some embodiments, software can communicate with a remote transmittingdevice's wireless communication interface and instruct the interface tosend a caller's unique notification to the communication device. Forexample, a remote transmitting device's Bluetooth interface can convey aunique notification to the Bluetooth interface of a communication devicein accordance with some embodiments. The mobile communication device andthe remote transmitting device may communicate wirelessly over theBluetooth protocol via radio frequency transmission and reception, andthus can communicate when within a range for which Bluetoothcommunications are possible.

In some embodiments, the communication device disclosed herein, and theconnected clothing system can search for incoming communications usingthe wireless communications interface in the communication device. Thesoftware integrated into the communication device can receive atransmitted unique notification and generate a stimulus or stimuli onthe mobile communication device's output interface. Those skilled in theart will recognize that the transmission of notifications between thecommunication device and various telecommunication devices can beaccomplished using a variety of different wireless communicationprotocols depending on the needs of the user and that the process ofcommunicating a notification of an alert to the communication device canbe used for alerts of many types of communications, including, forexample, text messages, picture messages, application notifications,proximity notifications and phone notifications, such as low battery ordata.

The foregoing descriptions have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not exhaustive and do not limitthe invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings or may beacquired from practicing of the invention. For example, the describedimplementation includes certain electronic devices, but it is understoodthat other electronic devices can be implanted with the communicationdevice described in various embodiments.

Additional embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice communication device andsystems disclosed herein. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

1. A communication device comprising: a circuit printed on a portion offabric, the circuit comprised of conductive lines and means fortransmitting electrical signals to and from a user; a controller forcommunicating with an electronic device and electrically pairable to thecircuit; and means for attaching the circuit to an item of apparel. 2.The communication device of claim 1, wherein the conductive lines arecomprised of conductive ink or conductive thread.
 3. The communicationdevice of claim 2, wherein the conductive lines are comprised ofconductive ink.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, wherein themeans for transmitting electrical signals with a user comprises meansfor generating electrical signals.
 5. The communication device of claim1, wherein the means for transmitting electrical signals with a usercomprises means for accepting electrical signals.
 6. The communicationdevice of claim 1, further comprising input means operably connected tothe means for transmitting electrical signals.
 7. The communicationdevice of claim 6, wherein the input means is a touch pad.
 8. Thecommunication device of claim 6, wherein the touch pad is a fabric touchpad.
 9. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the means fortransmitting electrical signals comprises a switch.
 10. The mobilecommunication devices of claim 9, wherein the switch comprises two ormore on/off signal settings.
 11. The communication device of claim 1,wherein the means for transmitting electrical signals is selected from aswitch, sensors, antennas, biosensors, touch screens, switch pad, touchpad, touch switches, printed heaters, or combinations thereof.
 12. Thecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching thecircuit printed on the portion of fabric to an item of apparel is amagnet, a zipper, snaps, magnetic snaps, velcro, buttons, orcombinations thereof.
 13. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe controller is detachable from the sensing circuit.
 14. Thecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising a casing whichcomprises an inside region.
 15. The communication device of claim 14,wherein the controller is enclosed within the inside region of thecasing.
 16. The communication device of claim 14, wherein the casing isattached to the sensing circuit by one or more electrically conductiveconnectors.
 17. The communication device of claim 15, wherein theelectrically conductive connectors are pogo pins, magnets, a zipper,snaps, magnetic snaps, or combinations thereof.
 18. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein circuit printed on a portion of fabriccomprises sensors.
 19. The communication device of claim 1, wherein thecircuit printed on a portion of fabric comprises a dielectric insulator.20. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the circuit printed ona portion of fabric comprises an amalgamated flexible circuit region.21. The communication device of claim 3, wherein the conductive ink issilver conductive ink.
 22. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe fabric is a textile.
 23. The communication device of claim 1,wherein the fabric is flexible.
 24. The communication device of claim 1,wherein the fabric is an artificial leather.
 25. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a power source, amicroprocessor, and a network interface.
 26. The communication device ofclaim 25, wherein the network interface is an antenna.
 27. Thecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the controller is a flexibleprinted circuit board.
 28. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe circuit is attached on the item of apparel interior, exterior, as alining, as a sleeve, or combinations thereof.
 29. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a computing device.30. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the electronic deviceis selected from ordinary mobile phones, a smart-phones, communicationsnetworks, home appliances, television, audio or entertainment systems,security systems, laptops, camera, tablets, desktop computer, homeautomation systems, or combinations thereof.
 31. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the controller communicates through awireless network technology.
 32. The communication device of claim 31,wherein the wireless network technology is selected from the groupconsisting of a local-area-network (LAN), wireless local-area-network(WLAN), network personal-area-network PAN, such as Bluetooth, low powerwide area (LPWA), contactless local area communication,wide-area-network (WAN), the internet, point to point networks, peer topeer networks, an intranet, infrared communication, ZigBee, Z-wave,Lor/SigFox, NB-IoT technologies and combinations thereof.
 33. Thecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising a sensoridentification molding.
 34. The communication device of claim 33,wherein the sensor identification molding is comprised of one or moreconvex or concave configurations.
 35. The communication device of claim33, wherein the sensor identification molding is comprised of plastic,silicone, or combinations thereof. 36-40. (canceled)